Streaming platforms in China have removed movies starring Keanu Reeves after the actor appeared virtually at the 35th annual Tibet Benefit Concert.
According to the Los Angeles Times, streaming services including iQiyi, Tencent Video, Bilibili, and Xigua Video removed all of Reeves' films after the March 3 event.
Movies that have been erased include The Matrix franchise, Maximum Speed and The Lake House, and more. Toy Story 4, in which Reeves does voice-over, was retained, however, it does not appear in the credits, instead being dubbed by local talent.
"It is unclear who ordered the removals, China's regulatory agencies or the platforms acted proactively to remove potentially problematic content," The Times shared.
China rejects claims of Tibetan independence and has long criticized artists who have expressed support for Tibet and/or the Dalai Lama. Reeves' support for benefiting Tibet was made public just as The Matrix: Resurrections was opening in China, but the action sequel was boycotted by nationalists and disappointed at the box office.
Previous blocking cases include Richard Gere, who lost out on film deals because of his strong stance on Tibet and his close ties to the Dalai Lama, and Selena Gomez, for taking a photo with the Dalai Lama.
Chinese streaming services have also previously censored multiple episodes of Friends due to LGBTQ characters and storylines.
